Get Your School Involved
Hosting a blood drive is a great way to raise awareness about the need for blood and to help teachers, staff members and students become blood donors.
Want your school to get involved?
Download this packet about how to host a successful drive.
We know that 16-year-olds can make a difference.
That’s why we’re letting you make the biggest difference of all – sixteen-year-olds can now donate blood with a signed permission form from a parent or guardian.
Please read the rules and regulations on your donor form, and contact your drive coordinator to make sure you can participate!
Did you know that three lives can be saved by one pint of blood?
Donate at your school’s blood drives to save lives. Don’t have a school blood drive coming up? Find one of our 25 donor centers near you! If you donate regularly, you can even earn prizes through our Dedicated Donor Rewards program!
Check out this video to know what to expect — ahead of your donation — to ensure you have a successful and rewarding experience.
Donate blood and receive a limited-edition t-shirt to show how you give back to your community at school.
Student Programs
This program honors students who #GiveForLife by participating in two or more blood drives during their Senior year with red cords for their graduation ceremony.
This program rewards elementary and middle school students who volunteer their time to spread awareness about the importance of blood donation.
This one-day student conference provides high-school leaders with an up-close look at how blood donation and volunteering strengthens communities.
The Great Grants program rewards qualifying schools each year that participate in supporting our community blood supply by hosting blood drives.
High school seniors will compete for a chance to win one of two $2,500 college scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible?
In addition to being in good health, donors must be 16 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and feel well the day of their donation. Sixteen-year olds must have a signed parental consent form.
If you have an important social, sports or life event (SAT or ACT testing, driver’s license test or prom) coming up, we recommend that you wait to donate.
What documents do I need to bring?
Bring a photo ID and proof of date of birth. An electronic photo ID or digital ID is acceptable. Examples of photo IDs include a driver’s license, work ID, school ID, passport, state identification card or military ID.
Do I need my parent’s permission?
If you are seventeen-years-old or older, you do not need permission from your parents. If you are sixteen-years-old, you’ll need your parents to sign this form to be eligible to donate blood.
How do I prepare for my donation?
Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids starting two days prior to donation, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal one to two hours before your donation and drink water just before donation.
How often can I give blood?
School blood drive donations are for whole blood. Giving whole blood requires a waiting period of 56 days between donations and is limited to no more than 6 whole blood donations/12 month period. Please visit this page to learn more about other types of blood donations.
How will I feel after I give blood?
Most people feel fine after giving blood, but it’s not uncommon to feel a bit lightheaded, dizzy, or fatigued. Overall, these symptoms are minor compared to the rewarding feeling of saving lives!
Students, please ask a faculty member from your school to fill out this interest form!
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